Is the DPG in cosmetics safe?

Before using cosmetics

Some people have sensitive skin, atopic skin, thin skin, or skin that is easily irritated. Some people are prone to redness and itching from cosmetics.

There are various possible causes for this, but one possibility is an ingredient called DPG that is contained in cosmetics.

For those who are prone to skin problems, we want you to check all the ingredients and not just choose cosmetics based on the tagline! However, even if you say that, there are many people who think that it is hard to understand the complicated katakana names and alphabets...

We provide easy-to-understand explanations of cosmetic ingredients and safety on our blog so that even people who are not familiar with ingredients can choose safer cosmetics.

Please check out other articles as well → Other CONCIO blog articles are here

So, this time we will explain about the ingredient called "DPG" that is often seen in skin care products.

What is DPG?

DPG is an abbreviation for "dipropylene glycol." It is a type of alcohol ingredient that is used in cosmetics, medicines, food, etc.

Although it is called alcohol, it is not ethanol . Therefore, even if a cosmetic product is "alcohol-free," it may still contain DPG, so be careful.

DPG is a by-product that occurs during the production of the cosmetic ingredient PG . It is a colorless liquid with almost no odor.

Why is DPG used in cosmetics?

DPG is used in a wide range of cosmetic products, including:

• cleansing
• Toner, lotion
• Face mask
• Moisturizing cream
• Makeup products such as foundation
• Sunscreen
• deodorant
• Hair Care Products
• perfume

It is also used as a base agent in skin care products such as lotions and milky lotions. In such cases, the amount used is inevitably large, and the risks explained below tend to be higher.

Before explaining the risks, let's look at the role of DPG as a cosmetic ingredient. DPG has three main roles.

Penetration enhancers

It changes the structure of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, making it easier for other ingredients to penetrate .

solvent

DPG dissolves well in both water and oil, so it is also used to dissolve other ingredients.

Moisturizer

It is also used as a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated, as it is expected to have the effect of attracting and retaining moisture on the surface of the skin.

Is DPG safe for skin?

DPG, which plays a variety of roles in cosmetics, is generally considered a low-risk and safe ingredient.

Although there is no data on long-term skin application, the European Scientific Agency has determined that DPG is unlikely to pose a risk to health or skin, meaning it is not known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic or to affect reproductive function.

A little scary residue

The American EWG also considers DPG to be generally safe, but states that the following toxic substances may remain in DPG:

• 1,4-Dioxane
• Ethylene oxide

1,4-dioxane has been designated a carcinogen by agencies around the world, and ethylene oxide is known to pose risks of carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, and developmental toxicity.

Although the residual amounts are only minute, the possibility of these being present in DPG is not zero.

Allergies and skin irritation caused by DPG

Some people may also have an allergic reaction to DPG, but this is rare and does not pose a high risk.

However, people with sensitive skin may need to be a little careful because DPG can contain 0.24% to 1.0% PG.

PG is an ingredient that is often pointed out as having allergenic and irritating properties.

If DPG also contains trace amounts of PG, cross-reactions may occur.
This means that people who are allergic to PG may also be allergic to DPG.

Also read: Why is Propylene Glycol Used in Skin Care Products?

One of the main roles of DPG is to promote the penetration of ingredients. For sensitive skin, excessive penetration of other ingredients or DPG itself can cause skin irritation.